Opinion: Is Kendrick Lamar’s Black Hippy Crew The 2013 G-Unit?

Is Black Hippy’s mounting run giving you déjà vu? VIBE stacks Kendrick’s crew up against G-Unit’s early days

Comparing Black Hippy to G-Unit of a decade ago seems about as inappropriate as Charlamagne Tha God. But there are some parallels.

While Kendrick isn’t slaying birthday songs, the wordy rapper kicked in the door like 50 Cent with a hard-knocking instant classic, good kid, m.A.A.d. city. He’s been the hottest, most hyped-about rapper of 2013, spazzing on cameo appearances and remixes. And back in 2003, 50 Cent was as ubiquitous as oversized white tees (remember those?!). Then there’s that Dr. …